Miyamoto pondering paid online service
Defends Nintendo's current online strategy.
Legendary Nintendo designer and head of Entertainment Analysis and Development Shigeru Miyamoto has said Nintendo may have to start charging directly for its online features in the future.
"Probably the other thing that we are desperate to realise is the core [online] business structure," Miyamoto said in an interview with Edge.
"Do we need to demand customers pay monthly fees to enjoy online activities? Or give an online subscription that is free of charge, but then offer something extra for people that pay, so that they get some extra value? With these core business strategies I think we are less active than we should be."
Nintendo currently offers free online play for some Wii and Nintendo DS games through the Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection. While critics have compared that setup unfavorably to online offerings from Sony and Microsoft, Miyamoto defended Nintendo's efforts in the online space.
"It is true, though, that Nintendo hasn't been very proactive in developing such online activities as an MMOG," he said.
"But when it comes to our endeavours that try to take advantage of internet technology, where we can provide our customers with more fun and entertainment, then I think we can say we have been very, very proactive and well-received. And that attitude won't be changed at all in the future."